Discovering a New Brain Pathway for Obesity and Weight Control

Unravelling a novel pathway in the human hypothalamus involved in body weight regulation in obesity. (NORMALISE)

Project Overview

Obesity is a global health crisis linked to diabetes, heart disease, and other serious conditions. Current treatments, like GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Wegovy, Ozempic), have limitations, including high costs, injections, muscle loss, and weight regain after stopping treatment. In collaboration with Tanai Therapeutics, this project explores new ways to regulate body weight, aiming for long-lasting, more effective obesity treatments with fewer side effects.

Societal and Economic Relevance

Over a billion people worldwide suffer from obesity, significantly increasing healthcare costs. Obesity-related diseases could cost trillions globally in the coming years. New treatments could reduce this burden, improve public health, and enhance quality of life. In the short term, this project will drive innovation in biotech and pharmaceuticals. Long-term, it could lower healthcare costs, expand treatment accessibility, and create jobs in drug development and manufacturing.

Project Approach and Innovation

This study investigates how brain networks, particularly interactions between neurons and immune microglia in the hypothalamus, regulate body weight. Our findings reveal differences in neuron-glia interactions between lean and obese states, suggesting a critical role of neuroimmune crosstalk in metabolic control. By analyzing human brain tissues containing all cell types and utilizing advanced obesity models, this research aims to identify key mechanisms that drive weight loss and prevent regain. Unlike current therapies that focus on temporary weight reduction, this project seeks long-term interventions targeting the underlying neurobiological processes of obesity.

Expected Outcomes and Deliverables

This project will generate valuable insights into weight regulation, supporting the development of more sustainable obesity treatments. Findings will help Tanai Therapeutics advance new therapies, potentially transforming obesity care and improving health worldwide.

Discovering a New Brain Pathway for Obesity and Weight Control

Summary

Obesity affects over a billion people, and current treatments have limits. Working with Tanai Therapeutics, we study how the brain controls weight using human brain tissues and animal models. Uniquely, we analyze both obese and healthy brains to uncover neuron-glia interactions, aiming for long-term solutions beyond temporary weight loss.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

2 - 6

Time period

24 months

Partners